Poem: First Time He Kissed Me

Listen to Sonnet 38, "First time he kissed me, he but only kissed," by Elizabeth Barrett Browning from Sonnets from the Portuguese. This beloved love sonnet beautifully captures the tenderness and deepening affection of new love through Browning's timeless voice. Take a few moments to savor its imagery and enduring celebration of the heart.
Feel free to explore more of my other poetry recordings on Insight Timer.

Transcript

This is a poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. From Sonnets from the Portuguese, Number 38. First time he kissed me, He but only kissed. First time he kissed me, He but only kissed the fingers of this hand wherewith I write. And ever since, It grew more clean and white. Slow to world greetings, Quick with its own list when the angels speak. A ring of amethyst I could not wear here, Plainer to my sight than that first kiss. A second passed in height, The first, And sought the forehead, And half missed. Half falling on the hair. O BEYOND MEAD! That was the chrism of love, Which loves own crown. With sanctifying sweetness did proceed. The third upon my lips was folded down in perfect purple state. Since when, Indeed, I have been proud and said My love, My own.

Reviews

Very peaceful! I’ll have to read that poem myself one day. You’ve a very soothing voice 😁